Dictionary.com Names “Middlescence” the Word of the Day

Imagine my surprise when an acquaintance sent me an email, excited about the fact that “middlescence” is Dictionary.com’s word of the day. What really thrilled me is that people are recognizing the word middlescence and the work we are doing to spread the word about the importance of this new life stage in lives of middlescents.

I was dismayed that the current dictionary.com definition really isn’t an accurate reflection of what is happening in the adults’ lives. Their definition: “The middle-age period of life, especially when considered a difficult time of self-doubt and readjustment,” is part of an ageist narrative that doesn’t represent the power, vitality, and possibility of middlescence.

With all due respect to the folks at Dictionary.com, I’ll think we’ll take it from here. This definition is far more accurate:

“A transitional period, between the ages of about 45 and 65, marked by an increased desire to find or create greater meaning in one’s life. Often accompanied by physical, social, and economic changes, it is a turning point from which adults continue to develop and grow. A life stage create by increased longevity patterns in the 21st century.”

Thanks Dictionary.com for recognizing the importance of this word!